YOBS have been condemned for setting fire to a war memorial on the weekend that Armed Forces Day was celebrated.

Three youngsters wrapped a shirt around the top of the monument and set it alight.

The attack has left a black scorch mark.

Andrew Wilkinson witnessed the scene and was shocked.

He said: “As I was getting in my car at 4.50am I noticed some young lads on the far side of the park by the war memorial on Havisham Drive.

“I then noticed flames around the top of it and heard some laughter.

"As I started to approach they ran off out the far exit of the park.

According to Mr Wilkinson, the level of anti-social behaviour around Haydon has been on the rise.

He added: “I’m wondering what the trigger point will be that means it’s taken seriously.

“Preventative measures, CCTV and signage must be installed.

“We have had mopeds driving around the park on pathways while people are walking their dogs or with children."

David Renard, leader of Swindon Borough Council, condemned the yobs.

He said: “I am appalled that anyone would behave so disgracefully as to desecrate any memorial dedicated to those who gave their lives for our freedoms.

“Whoever did this should be ashamed and seriously consider how they can give something back to their community and their country.”

Mr Wilkinson raised concerns about the vandalism on a local Facebook group.

Commenters told of their disgust.

Gill Nobbs said: “What on earth makes them behave like this?”

Jason Spickett added: “All children should be taken to see the war graves and battlefields in France and Belgium to see what happened there first-hand.”

Michael Langford said: “They should be taught in schools about what memorials stand for and why they are there. There's no excuse for these thugs.”

And Fréd Inselin said: “It’s disgusting behaviour. I believe the parents have lots to answer for.”

A spokesperson for the Wiltshire branch of the Royal British Legion said: “We're shocked and saddened to hear of the damage caused to this memorial.

“Installations such as this honour the memory of personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who defend the freedom we enjoy, they deserve to be treated with respect.”

Wiltshire police released a statement saying: “We received a call at 5.10am on June 30 reporting that three youths had been seen to throw a shirt over a war memorial in Haydon End, Swindon, and set fire to the shirt.

“A black mark was left on the memorial. Officers attended the scene to carry out an area search but no-one matching the descriptions given were located.

“The three youths are described as male, white, aged between 16 to 18. One was wearing a maroon jumper, one was wearing a grey jumped and the third was wearing black.

“Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident should call 101.”